The latest episode of 'Game of Thrones' is now being considered one of the best in the history of the series. 'Hardhome' featured several groundbreaking scenes, like Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) refusing to bow down to the nuns of the High Sparrow and eventually giving in to desperation in the walls of her prison cell.
The episode also shows Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) finally counseling Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) in Meereen as well as Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon) planning to attack Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane).
However, the most talked-about scene in 'Hardhome' is the one that takes place in the episode's namesake. Just as Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) and Tormund Giantsbane (Kristofer Hivju) reach the village of Hardhome, it is attacked by a huge army of wights. A long and bloody battle ensues, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of wildlings.
Harrington has famously spoken about the battle sequence, calling it the most difficult scene he has ever worked on. Now, the Game of Thrones Youtube channel has released a behind-the-scenes video that explains the actor's sentiments.
Director Miguel Sapochnik talks about taking a different perspective than what is offered in the book, deciding to film a large battle scene where the White Walkers dominate the living. Executive producer David Benioff says of the scene, "This isn't a battle, really. This is a massacre."
The video also reveals that more than 200 extras were used for the scene. Harington also expresses his appreciation of the several background actors he worked with.
"The extras are some of the most hardworking, brilliant background actors I've ever had the pleasure of working with," the actor said. "And they give it their all, and it's what makes the scenes like this work."
'Hardhome' is the eighth episode of the show's fifth season. The next episode, 'The Dance of Dragons,' will air on Sunday at 9PM on HBO.
